Photo Credit: Green Bike Aruba
The Government of Aruba has officially introduced a ban on electric scooters and similar small motorized vehicles on all public roads and spaces. The announcement was made by Arthur Dowers, Minister of Justice and Public Transportation, following increasing concerns about road safety across the island.
Reason Behind the Decision
In recent months, authorities received numerous complaints about electric scooters creating dangerous situations in traffic, particularly in busy tourist areas such as the High Rise hotel strip. Riders were often seen moving through traffic without clear rules or regulation, leading to unsafe conditions for drivers, pedestrians, and the riders themselves.
Because there were no existing laws permitting the use of these vehicles on public roads, the government decided to take immediate and stricter action.
What the Ban Includes
Under the new regulation, electric scooters:
- Are not allowed on public roads, sidewalks, or any public space
- Cannot be parked on public property
- May only be used on private property
There are currently no permits or exceptions available that allow their use in public areas.
Enforcement Measures
Authorities began enforcing the ban immediately after a short warning period to inform the public. Police now have the authority to:
- Confiscate electric scooters used illegally
- Issue fines of up to 500 Aruban florins
Both individuals and businesses can be penalized if they do not comply with the law.
Impact on Rental Businesses
The ban also directly affects rental companies. Since there is no legal framework allowing electric scooters on public roads, businesses are no longer permitted to rent them out.
Companies that continue operating in violation of the law risk fines and additional enforcement actions. For future legal operation, proper approvals, registration, and compliance with transportation regulations would be required, though such systems are not currently in place.
Additional Vehicle Regulations
The announcement also included reminders about regulations for other vehicles, such as UTVs. These must be properly registered, meet legal requirements, and cannot be parked on public land for rental purposes.
What This Means for the Public
Residents and visitors are expected to follow the new rules without exception. Using electric scooters in public areas may result in fines or confiscation.
The government has emphasized that this measure is necessary to improve safety and maintain order on Aruba’s roads, especially in high-traffic and tourist-heavy areas.
4 Responses
This is ban affects me extremely. I have a home in Aruba in which I live there for every winter. My transportation is a sit down scooter with basket behind. This is how I get around on the island for the winter every year. Now what am I supposed to do? I’m too old to walk everywhere. It doesn’t make sense for me to buy and I sure a car there for three or four months out of the year. It is way too expensive for me to rent a car for this long. So is it time for me to sell and leave Aruba?
Same. My husband uses an electric mobility scooter to get around as well for medical purposes. I hope this isn’ exception for those with disabilities.
My husband uses a sit down mobility scooter to get around as well for medical reasons. Will this ban on electric scooters effect him?
I’d like to see some clarification. I’m assuming this refers to the scooters shown in the photo not a mobility scooter which is akin to a power wheelchair.